ESPN Scrum Reset

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran dive into a bumper Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific, analysing the Reds' win over the Blues and the Brumbies disappointing defeat at home; they look at what those two results have done to the ladder and ponder whether a top-two finish is now beyond them; they heap praise on Tom Lynagh and react to another twist in James O'Connor's season; they dig into the Waratahs recruitment and retention issues, look ahead to the Wallaroos' season opener, and discuss the threat of French rugby as a cross-code talent prepares to head offshore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran take aim at Rugby Australia as the we continue to wait for a Wallabies coaching announcement; they then review a bumper Easter weekend of Super Rugby Pacific, highlighted by James O'Connor's heroics and the Brumbies' shut-out of Moana Pasifika; they discuss the playmaker's hopes of facing the British & Irish Lions and heap more praise on Langi Gleeson; they then turn their attention to RA's record deficit and the fallout from their AGM and then talk women's rugby and Jo Yapp's Wallaroos squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a stunning Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific, picking apart the wins of the Brumbies and Waratahs, before gazing ahead to a bumper weekend of Easter footy; they discuss some of the decision-making, including the high hit on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii; they look at some of the key off-contract players in Australian rugby and who might be headed offshore; before turning their attention to Rugby Australia's next broadcast deal and a curious media event that was used to announce it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a busy Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific, which included a curious Reds penalty decision, the Waratahs' capitulation against Moana Pasifika, and a gutsy Force win; before they turn their attention to Noah Lolesio's decision to head offshore, and how the Wallabies fly-half situation might now play out for the Lions; and react to news of Rugby Australia's new television deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce is joined by a weary Christy Doran, who reflects on his first Hong Kong Sevens. The team then addresses the ongoing Wallabies coaching saga, trying to work out why a decision is still to be made; they discuss whether Stuart Lancaster could actually be a chance; before they then rip into Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, pondering where it went wrong for the Waratahs and whether the hip-drop tackle should be outlawed; they also analyse the Brumbies' and Reds' wins and look ahead to Round 8. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ANZAC Test aborted; O'Keefe's shocker; Ref mic needed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Behind SRP's flying start; future planning; fan engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a jam-packed weekend of rugby, from Super Rugby Pacific to the Six Nations; they discuss the three big upsets from the Brumbies, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, asking what the win might do for Stephen Larkham's side; they then turn their attention to the Waratahs and the performance of Max Jorgensen and debut of Lawson Creighton, and round it all out by looking at the Reds-Crusaders clash; they then ponder Fraser McReight's contract scenario, and how the delay in announcing the Wallabies coach might be affecting the situation, discuss the merits of a Club World Cup, and then wrap up Ireland's defeat and what it means for the British & Irish Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific; they analyse where the Waratahs are at and where the improvement needs to come; they discuss the Brumbies' early season issues; break down the Reds' last-gasp win over the Force; they then look at some of Joe Schmidt's Wallabies headaches, discuss some of the inconsistencies in the head contact incidents and update which Wallabies may or may not be heading offshore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up another thrilling weekend of Super Rugby Pacific, discussing the changes the competition has made to produce a better product; they heap praise on the Force after another clutch win and debate whether this is the year the franchise finally delivers; they look at the Brumbies' struggles and how badly they are missing Rob Valetini and then turn their attention to the rest of Round 2. They also react to the sighting of Michael Cheika with RA boss Phil Waugh and why it's hard to see the former Wallabies coach in the frame to replace Joe Schmidt; they then look at the Six Nations and ponder the Lions' options at No. 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, praising the administrators for a smart draw; they review each of the three Australian wins and name their standout players; before they discuss James O'Connor's Crusaders debut and ponder whether he still has something to offer the Wallabies; they then turn their attention to Joe Schmidt's decision and look at some of the options to replace him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran fire off the first podcast of 2025, in what is a mammoth year for Australian rugby. They update the Joe Schmidt situation and explain how the drawn out contract saga is having knock-on effects ahead of the season kick-off; they then run the rule over all 11 Super Rugby Pacific sides and rate their finals chances, while also pondering whether the reduction to four Australian teams will improve their collective competitiveness and deliver increased competition jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy come together for [probably] the final time in 2024, wrapping up Australia's 22-19 defeat by Ireland; they break down that loss and why it came about, but also reflect on the team's broader improvement under Joe Schmidt and how they can kick on next season; they also look ahead to the British & Irish Lions series and next yea's Super Rugby Pacific season, before heaping praise on sevens star Maddison Levi following her record-breaking effort in Dubai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Australia's loss to Scotland, analysing where it went wrong and the impact of the selection decisions and late withdrawals; they look ahead to this weekend's final Test against Ireland in Dublin and its multiple catch points; they look ahead to next year's British & Irish Lions Series and discuss whether Will Skelton should be in the Wallabies starting side; they then wrap up the rest of last weekend's Test action and react to the World Rugby Award winners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Australia's 32-point thrashing of Wales, lauding the performances of Matt Faessler, Tom Wright and Noah Lolesio; they analyse Will Skelton's effect on the maul and discuss Samu Kerevi's red card; they also zero in on Joe Schmidt's future as Wallabies coach and how Rugby Australia might attempt to keep him; before they then turn their attention to the other week 3 autumn internationals, the World Rugby award nominations and whether a breakaway league funded by private equity is any chance of getting up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran analyse Australia's drought-breaking win at Twickenham, lauding the collective team performance that was the best in recent memory; they isolate the players who showed the can be world class and heap praise on the incremental improvements the team has made; they laud Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's professional rugby debut and marvel at Marcus Smith's game for England, but question whether Steve Borthwick is missing Owen Farrell; before they wrap up the rest of the week 2 November internationals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the All Blacks' thrilling win over England, analysing where it went wrong for the hosts, before they look ahead to the Wallabies' clash with the Auld Enemy; they discuss what needs to happen for Australia to win at Twickenham and if Samu Kerevi holds the key; before they turn their attention to the remainder of the week two November series action and heap praise on breakout New Zealand star Wallace Sititi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran return from a brief break to run an eye over the Wallabies' spring tour squad, analysing just where Australia's wins might come from up north; they break down Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's selection and discuss his immediate off-field impact; they look across some of the other key November fixtures including this weekend's clash between England and New Zealand; and then discuss a succession plan should Joe Schmidt decide not to continue with the Wallabies beyond next year's Lions series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Wallabies' Rugby Championship campaign, including the weekend's loss in Bledisloe II, handing out grades across the key markers; they then turn their attention to the looming spring tour, analysing who Joseph Suaali'i should tour with and where Tane Edmed might fit in; before they give their impressions of Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley and how the competition can better operate moving forward; they then wrap up a big Wallaroos win in WXV2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Saturday's Bledisloe thriller in Sydney, reacting to Joe Schmidt's 'no water in the glass' comments regarding his side's progress -- or lack thereof -- they look ahead to Wellington and what changes might be made, also gazing further ahead to the spring tour; they then turn their attention to the Pumas' upset win over the Springboks and their growth under new coach Felipe Contepomi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined live in the Schmidthouse by the Rugby Direct team of Liam Napier and Elliot Smith to look ahead to Bledisloe I at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Wallabies' record Test loss after Australia shipped 67 points to a rampant Pumas; they run the rule over the performance and debate the future of some senior players; before they turn their attention to the Bledisloe Cup and what changes Joe Schmidt might be able to make; they then review another Springboks-All Blacks thriller and discuss the likely onset of tours between the two nations, how that may affect Australia and the future of The Rugby Championship on the whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a wild weekend in The Rugby Championship, headlined by the Wallabies' last-gasp victory in La Plata; they break down that 20-19 win, heap praise Carlo Tizzano, Angus Bell and Len Ikitau; they analyse where the improvements came in attack and then debate the final penalty and shock clock drama; they then turn their attention to the thriller in Johannesburg and wonder how Bongi Mbonambi's try stood; and review the club rugby finals in Sydney and Brisbane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Wallabies' second straight defeat by the Springboks, they discuss the chief problem areas and how Joe Schmidt might address them, they then analyse the changes to the squad for the tour of Argentina and how they line up against the Pumas, before they recap New Zealand's bounce back win in Auckland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Wallabies' 33-7 hammering by the Springboks and ponder whether there is a way forward this week in Perth; they discuss Australia's lack of size and how much of an issue that is, while also heaping praise on the Springboks' evolution; before they then turn their attention to the Pumas' shock win over the All Blacks, the issues Scott Robertson has on his hands, and whether an unlikely Blues replacement can steady the ship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran look ahead to the Wallabies' opening Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks, pondering if an upset might be possible; they break down the additions to Australia's squad and question the selection of teenager Max Jorgensen; before they turn their attention to the Waratahs' big week of signings and coaching news; they then wrap up Australia's Olympic sevens campaign and look to the future of both the men's and women's programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Wallabies' July campaign, digging into their 40-29 win over Georgia that secured a 3-0 sweep, they name their standout performers and look ahead to the Rugby Championship, they then turn their attention to the All Blacks' stopover in San Diego and Queensland's cracking clash with Wales, before finishing with a look at the Olympic sevens events in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up another weekend of thrilling international rugby, starting with a second straight win for the Wallabies over Wales; they pick apart that match, focusing in on the maul woes and Noah Lolesio's performance, before looking ahead to Saturday's Test with Georgia; they then look at some of the recent Australian player movement and who might yet end up at the Waratahs; before they look at the other big matches from last weekend and the Wallaroos' crushing defeat by New Zealand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran pick apart the Wallabies' win over Wales in Sydney, hailing its simplicity and the impact of Joe Schmidt; they break down the performances of Taniela Tupou, Jake Gordon and the seven debutants, before digging into Liam Wright's wild week; then then turn to the Test matches in Pretoria and Dunedin, won by the Springboks and All Blacks, and ponder how much work Australia still has to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran review the Blues' crushing win in the Super Rugby Pacific final, before they turn their attention to Joe Schmidt's first Wallabies squad, analysing the shock calls, particularly at lock, and just where else Australia appear light on; before they then discuss Dan McKellar's recent sacking by Leicester and ponder whether he could wind up at the Waratahs; before they react to Australia's Olympic Sevens draws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up the Super Rugby semifinals, discussing where it went wrong for the Brumbies and what their lack of physicality means for the Wallabies; they then turn their attention to Carter Gordon's shock defection to the NRL and debate just how much of a loss he is; before they then talk the looming Wallabies squad announcement and ask whether Australia should consider exiting Super Rugby altogether. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up a predictable weekend of Super Rugby quarterfinal action, and then look ahead to the semifinals where the Brumbies will look to end Australia's finals drought in New Zealand; they then turn their attention to the competition's immediate and longer-term future, ponder what a national club competition could look like and dig into the ramifications of what another meagre broadcast deal would mean for the game Down Under. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran reflect on a massive week in Australian rugby, breaking down the decision to cut Melbourne Rebels from Super Rugby Pacific, why it is both the right and wrong call, and where the Rebels' best players might wind up in 2025; they then turn their attention to the Super Rugby quarterfinals and whether the Reds can become the first Aussie team to win a finals match in New Zealand; before they react to news of Mark Nawaqanitawase's omission from a Wallabies train-on squad and the stunning victory by the Australian women's sevens team in Madrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce is joined by TVNZ's Ollie Ritchie to break down the big issues in New Zealand rugby, including the Crusaders' extraordinary week and Rob Penney's future, whether a "Giteau Law" is needed in the wake of another young departure, the prospect of All Blacks-Springboks tours as early as 2026, and the potential for a "civil war" as the game is split in two around governance reform. All that plus a full review of Super Rugby Pacific and how the final ladder may shake out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran pick apart Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific, breaking down the controversial finish to the Brumbies-Crusaders thriller and the sparkling performances from Rob Valetini and Tom Wright; they then dig into the Waratahs' mess, pondering who deserves the blame and how they might navigate their way forward; they also share their disappointment at Suliasi Vunivalu's double-trip effort in Fiji and lament a huge missed opportunity for the Wallaroos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific, praising the Reds' fightback against the Rebels; they lament the loss of Harry Wilson to injury and ponder the Wallabies back-row implications; they delve into the Waratahs' unprecedented run with injury in the front-row and wonder what the issue is; they spruik the merits of afternoon rugby after the bumper crowds in New Zealand; and then dig into World Rugby's new laws and the further trial laws, responding to criticism from the northern hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brittany Mitchell and Christy Doran go around the grounds reflecting on important Round 11 Super Rugby Pacific results, praising the efforts from the Reds and look at the Brumbies forward pack issues, before questioning whether Carter Gordon is Australia's form flyhalf, then turn to Australia's latest Sevens results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ESPN's Brittany Mitchell takes over hosting duties alongside joined by Christy Doran as they discuss Rugby Australia's AGM news including their $9million deficit, and what it could mean for the Rebels going forward. While they breakdown the Waratahs Super Rugby Women's title win and the first Wallaroos squad under Jo Yapp, before they look back at all the Anzac Round action and where the Aussie Super Rugby Pacific sides are placed in the run into the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran whip through Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific, lavishing praise on the Force and the returns of Kurtley Beale and Izack Rodda, before they discuss a second big loss for the Brumbies to New Zealand opposition and why their title stocks have taken a serious blow; they then roll through Australia's depth and deliver their Wallabies positional power rankings ahead of the run to the Test season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific, breaking down the Crusaders' implosion and the Rebels' impressive win over the Highlanders; they praise a couple of in-form Waratahs forwards and ponder their Test hopes; lament the foul play incidents that could derail the Reds' season even further, and react to the latest rumours about the Giteau Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, lauding the Brumbies, back-rower Charlie Cale and who else might be headed for a Wallaby call-up; before they discuss a controversial night in Melbourne and a Rebels win that came after news of their lifeline through a private consortium was revealed. But is their survival in the best interests of Australian rugby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific, digging into the star performers from the blockbuster Reds-Brumbies clash; they discuss Jordan Petaia's future and contrast the pros and cons for Rugby Australia when it comes to Taniela Tupou's future; before they ponder whether Michael Cheika might be the right man to coach the Waratahs and just how Michael Hooper's Australia sevens debut might pan out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Newshub rugby reporter Ollie Ritchie to talk all things New Zealand rugby, including the Crusaders' horror start to 2024, Scott Robertson's recruitment drive and his approach to Sam Whitelock; whether or not NZR may change its eligibility policy; before the trio break down Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific and ponder whether rugby league is a really a threat across the ditch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the latest news in Australian rugby, after coach Joe Schmidt fronted the media in Sydney; they break down Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific and discuss Corey Toole's Wallabies prospects; they analyse Rugby Australia's contracting issue and which players might be on the move; and then provide an update on the Melbourne Rebels saga. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific, hailing the impact Les Kiss is having at the Reds, before they lament Tane Edmed's late missed match-winner and ponder whether the Force are improving; they then dive into Jordan Petaia's future after links with NRL emerged and discuss Rugby Australia's latest review and the $2.6 million that went down the drain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran wrap up an entertaining Super Round, lauding the Waratahs, Tane Edmed and their forward pack for the win over the Crusaders, before they review the Reds' heartbreaking loss to the Hurricanes and the Chiefs' thrashing of the Brumbies; they also react to reports the Jaguares might be returning to Super Rugby and discuss some other cities where Super Round might draw better crowds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by ABC Sport's Catherine Murphy to discuss the Melbourne' Rebels' slide into financial purgatory, who is to blame and whether or not the club can survive; before Sam and Christy reflect on Round 1, what they liked about the Reds and Brumbies, and what they're looking forward to at Super Round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran analyse the Super Rugby Pacific teams, separating the contenders from the pretenders, which teams might be on the rise and those on the slide, before pondering just how important this season of the under-fire competition just might be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran return for the first time in 2024, breaking down the news of Joe Schmidt's appointment as Wallabies coach, the duo explaining how he came to apply for the top job and what his appointment means for those who missed out; they analyse what kind of coach he will be and where might Australian rugby now market itself; and look ahead to the 2024 season and how it might play out for the Wallabies and Australian rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran deliver one final episode for 2023, breaking down the events that led to Hamish McLennan's resignation from the Rugby Australia board; they reflect on the good and bad decisions from his tenure; discuss how Daniel Herbert will approach the job as chairman; analyse the Joseph Suaali'i situation and the future of contracting in Australia; and update the search for a new Wallabies coach.

100th episode and it's a big one! Sam Bruce and Christy Doran reflect on Eddie Jones' departure and the year that was for the Wallabies, from the World Cup disaster to mixed messaging Hamish McLennan and Rugby Australia, the plan to centralise the game, who might take over as coach and the concerns around the role, and what regrets the 63-year-old coach might have. It's been a year!